Dear Diary,
I have finally returned to Dementlieu after what feels like an eternity in Barovia. My journey was full of danger, but I have returned to my homeland a stronger and more experienced duelist. It was a horrible country, full of rain, mud and tired eyes full of unhappiness. Even the language was ugly, it took a great deal of patience to remain positive in the face of such. The fatigue from my travels weighs heavily upon me, but my mind is filled with thoughts of the combat I faced. I encountered fierce opponents on the long Slavich road, but I was able to defeat them with my swordsmanship and quick reflexes, being burned by such thick acids and burning flames will linger forever. The memory of battle still still lingers with me. One unexpected encounter was with a halfling. They were unlike any I had ever dealt with before, deranged and unkind. They seemed harmless enough at first but quickly became belligerent without any true causes. I couldn't help but wonder if the Garda of that grey city would punish them but, it seems the Barovians are as soft as they are sullen. Now that I am returned home I will be seeing my father once again. The last time I saw my father was before I left to pursue my career as a duelist. He was already blind by then, and I could see the pain and sadness in his eyes as he said goodbye. I promised him that I would return home someday, but now that day has come and I am filled with fear. I fear that he will not be proud of the man I have become, that he will be disappointed in my choices and my way of life. I fear that he will not forgive me for leaving him behind. But most of all, I fear seeing him in his weakened state. I fear seeing him suffer, knowing that there is nothing I can do to ease his pain.
Yours truly,
Severin
